So, you’ve decided to study Japanese. You may have always wanted to learn Japanese and visit Japan, or you want to understand your favourite anime better. No matter your motivation, this article will fill you in on all the details. 

When first getting started, the topic of how long it takes to learn Japanese comes up. How much time should you devote to studying, your goals, what resources are available to help you succeed, and what you might be doing wrong in your quest to improve? Your first language also influences how well and quickly you pick up the language. 

The Japanese language is exceptionally difficult for native English speakers to learn. This is because its structure is very different from that of English. As a result, it will take about 88 weeks, or 2200 hours of study, to reach fluency. This article, however, demonstrates methods and resources that speed up and simplify the procedure.

Defining Fluency in Japanese

Being fluent in Japanese is something else entirely. Nevertheless, culture is important when learning a new language, especially if you aim for fluency.

If you can speak Japanese fluently, you can have in-depth discussions with any native speaker. However, this can be a real challenge since several distinct varieties of Japanese exist.

You should be aware of the fact that there are three distinct alphabets used in Japan. Kanji, hiragana, and katakana are all types of these. A native speaker can read, understand, and write in all of the languages they speak.

Those who speak Japanese fluently should be able to express themselves in front of an audience. They are fluent in Japanese and comprehend the subtle cultural variances that shape the language, such as disparities in business etiquette and the proper usage of honorifics across genders.

One of the best ways to determine if you are fluent in Japanese is to take a test.

Fluency cannot be achieved in a few short weeks of study. However, there is always more to learn; even for native speakers, pursuing genuine fluency can take a lifetime.

While it’s true that it takes more time to master the Japanese language, there are still other factors to consider.

The time it takes to learn a language might vary depending on many factors, including how hard you study, how often you get to speak with native speakers, and how much help you have available.

How Quickly You Advance Depends on How Much Time You Put Into It.

The adage “when you’re not practising, someone else is” rings true when picking up a new tongue. This is not a race, although there is truth to the adage that one who practises more will advance more rapidly.

How quickly you can become proficient in Japanese depends largely on how much time you are willing to devote to studying.

Consider committing to studying every day for one hour. For example, if you double your study time to 2 hours per day, you can decrease your study time in half. That’s a big deal for people who want to learn Japanese quickly.

Setting a daily target of how long you will study Japanese can help you estimate how long it will take to reach your objective. In addition, regular practice in speaking Japanese is essential for long-term memory retention of the language.

If you only study and practise once a week, you will be able to retain less content, and it will take you much longer to accomplish your competence target.

Learning Methods and Resources

There are many resources and methods to choose from to learn Japanese. However, to quickly progress with your Japanese, focus on the core pillars of language learning.One of the most enjoyable parts of learning a new language is diving headfirst into the culture while also learning the fundamentals.

1. Learn the Japanese alphabet.

Learning the alphabet is the first and most important step in becoming fluent in Japanese. To read Japanese, you must learn about three different scripts: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

Hiragana

For starters, the ability to read Hiragana is essential. Hiragana, which consists of 46 letters or 51 phonetic characters, is the primary writing system used for the native Japanese language. It’s essential to decoding the peculiarities of Japanese pronunciation. Hiragana is simple to learn because most characters can be pronounced only once. If you want to sound more like a native speaker of Japanese, learning Hiragana is the first step.

Katakana

In contrast to Hiragana, Katakana is used for loanwords or words borrowed from other languages. Some are the names of specific plants and animals, while others are more technical or scientific. Katakana can be more challenging than Hiragana, especially at the outset of your Japanese language study, because it is less frequently used. Katakana will begin to show up more frequently as your level rises. However, for the time being, it is sufficient to know how to read Katakana.

Kanji

Kanji is often cited as the most difficult component of learning Japanese. However, it’s a must-know for every serious Japanese student. Learning even a small number of Kanji will greatly improve your ability to read and write elementary Japanese. Kanji is a set of Chinese characters consisting of thousands of symbols representing whole words, concepts, or sentences.

There are numerous layers to learning Kanji, as not all Japanese words have exact English translations. Because of this, a single Kanji character might have multiple acceptable English translations. We never claimed that studying Japanese would be simple, but mastering Kanji will open up a world of possibilities for you in terms of how and what you may say.

2. Check Your Grammar

In what way is Japanese grammar taught? To become fluent, you must abandon all knowledge of English grammar because of the vast differences between the two languages. For example, Japanese only has two tenses, past and non-past (present and future), in contrast to the many tenses found in romance languages. The difference is between the polite and the plain varieties. The latter is more common in everyday conversation. 

Using textbooks is a great place to start while learning Japanese grammar. However, it’s also worth noting that the Japanese writing system is completely different, being read and written from right to left, from the top to the bottom.

3. Acquire some useful phrases.

In a hurry to pick up some Japanese? Get started by reading over the list of frequently used phrases. You can start communicating with native Japanese speakers right away if you know how to say “hello,” “how are you,” and “nice to meet you,” among other greetings and small talk. If you’re thinking about travelling to Japan or starting a new life there, familiarising yourself with the 100+ most useful words in the language would be wise.

4. Begin with app help

When you first start studying Japanese, language-learning apps will be invaluable. Learn the fundamentals of the Japanese language with ease with an app like Duolingo, Memrise, or Rosetta Stone. These kinds of apps make learning possible anytime and anywhere you wish.

However, most language-learning apps are fantastic if you need a rapid boost to your Japanese language skills. However, it would be best if you didn’t rely solely on them. You will see little results even if you study an app for 10 minutes daily. A smartphone app can never replace real-life conversation. If you want to improve your language skills quickly, finding a language-learning partner or an online tutor is best.

5. Study those flashcards!

Language students can benefit from using flashcards. It’s a memory card having important information on it. For example, a word in Japanese can be memorised using a flashcard. Just flip the card over to see the translation in your own language.

You should incorporate flashcards into your study routine if you haven’t already. It is possible to:

• Put the Japanese names on the labels of your household objects so you can see them every day;
• Practise new vocabulary by quizzing oneself frequently;
• If you need clarification on the terms, have a friend test you.

The great thing about flashcards is that you can buy or make them yourself. So you can use flashcards to improve your vocabulary, whether you’re learning Hiragana, Katakana, or Kanji.

6. Engage in a virtual conversation with native speakers or fellow language students.

Conversational practice with native speakers is the best technique to advance your Japanese language skills quickly. There are many ways to practise Japanese today, even if you don’t know a native speaker.

One option for meeting a Japanese-speaking language partner is through one-on-one video conversations. In addition, you can interact with other native speakers and language students from all over the world through your computer or mobile device.

7. Read manga

Learn as much about Japanese culture as you can right now! You may learn Japanese from manga as well as novels and newspapers. The Japanese comic book (manga) has a deep and storied history in the country. It has since become an integral part of Japanese popular culture and a global phenomenon.

Manga, the Japanese art form of comic books and graphic novels, is a great tool for students of foreign languages. Contextual clues abound in these comics, making it simple to grasp the meaning of the text. If you’re just getting started, I highly recommend Sailor Moon.

8. Watch anime

If you’re looking for a fun way to learn Japanese, consider watching anime! Anime is a type of Japanese animation distinct from any other form. It’s grown into a global phenomenon with millions of followers.

Watching anime in your spare time is a great way to improve your listening comprehension and learn new vocabulary, including slang.

9. Put on some podcasts!

While commuting, working out, or performing housework, practising your listening skills can be facilitated by playing Japanese music, podcasts, or audiobooks. It can be good to start with songs with a slower tempo and clear pronunciation and then work up to more complicated materials.

Immersion is a great approach to learning a new language, and Japanese is no exception. However, you can learn Japanese far more quickly if you put yourself in an authentic Japanese atmosphere, either at home or in Japan. 

Difficulties in Mastering the Japanese Language

Most students share the excitement of a first trip to Japan as they embark on learning Japanese. The initial excitement, however, quickly dies down. Despite initial optimism, learning this delightful language has proven more challenging than anticipated. The future appears to be infinite, disorderly, and unknowable. Your self-assurance wanes, your development stalls, your class attendance decreases, and you’re more likely to give up and drop out.

So, what difficulties must one anticipate when attempting to master the Japanese language? Let’s check out a few of them.

The Complicated Writing Method

Even native Japanese speakers need a lifetime to master the complexities of the Japanese writing system. There is no alphabet in the traditional sense. Kanji, a far more involved writing system, is used instead. Instead of using diverse words and phrases to exhibit meaning and structure, Kanji relies on complex character sets that show their meaning through the arrangement of individual strokes, the order in which they appear, and other factors.

Grammar

Compared to other languages, the Japanese language has some significant grammatical peculiarities. First, no “definite” or “indefinite” articles exist in Japanese. In addition, there is no need for plurals in Japanese. This means that the method of writing numerals in Japanese could vary depending on the context. To further complicate matters, structural particles, which are essential for adding some nuance to Japanese sentences, provide the vast bulk of the meaning in written Japanese, especially when it comes to including verbs.

Each syllable in Japanese is pronounced the same.

The 45 basic syllables that make up the Japanese language make it one of the syllabic languages. The 45 syllables seem more complicated than the 26 letters in the English alphabet. In addition, there is only one correct method to pronounce a given syllable in Japanese. This means there are fewer noises to choose from. The pronunciation will always be the same whenever you employ a certain Japanese Kana, whether at the beginning, the middle, or the end of a word.

Complicated sounds

Two initial sounds in Japanese may be difficult for first-year students learning the language in Singapore. First, the ‘R’ sound is used in Japanese. Similar to Spanish’s inverted ‘R’, it is pronounced with a swift tongue roll. The Japanese ‘TSU’ is also very challenging.

Different Forms of Politeness

The different forms of politeness in Japanese have their vocabulary and grammar, making the language even more complex. Depending on age, status, relationship, etc., each individual you speak with will require a different degree of formality. It takes work to shift between formal and informal speech.

Vagueness

The most challenging part of studying Japanese in Singapore is the language’s fuzziness, followed closely by the Japanese writing system. The ambiguity might cause severe mental confusion. Directness of speech is generally frowned upon in Japanese culture and is therefore avoided. The key information you need to understand something comes not just from the statement but from the context of your communication, as it is in this highly contextual language.

Dive Deep into Japanese Traditions

The Japanese language relies heavily on context and culture. A thorough familiarity with Japanese history, culture, and mannerisms is necessary for fluency. That is something other than what can be found in a book.

Learn as much as you can about the past and present culture. Read Japanese message boards or social media and watch Japanese news and variety shows (they’re full of pop culture references). When in doubt, look it up on Google. You will learn many jargon, vernacular, and cultural references. Their importance in Japanese language acquisition cannot be overstated.

Most people don’t believe they have the time to devote to intensive study. However, you can often discover spare moments or trade one activity for another. It would help if you tuned in to Japanese TV instead of American. Look for Japanese hashtags and read the descriptions instead of quickly scrolling through Instagram posts in English. Try a Japanese podcast or J-Pop radio instead of the regular old radio.

Conclusion

Several factors affect how long it takes to master Japanese, including the complexity of the language, the student’s motivation, and the accessibility of learning materials. To have meaningful conversations with native Japanese speakers, it is essential for non-native English speakers to be fluent in Japanese. Japan employs not one but three different alphabets—Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana. A person who is fluent in more than one language has the ability to read, write, and talk fluently in each of those languages.

Communicating with native Japanese speakers and learning the most important terms in the language can be facilitated by learning useful phrases such as “hello,” “how are you,” and “nice to meet you.” Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Rosetta Stone can be quite helpful for learning the basics of Japanese whenever and wherever they are needed. While Japanese language study applications can be useful, they cannot take the place of meaningful communication. Instead, it is suggested that you choose a language-learning partner or online tutor.

Learning new words and expanding one’s vocabulary can benefit from studying flashcards. You can utilize flashcards in a variety of ways, including labeling everyday items with their Japanese names, taking online quizzes, or having friends and family give you tests. The easiest way to rapidly improve one’s command of Japanese is to participate in online chats with native speakers or other language students.

Learning Japanese can be challenging due to its unusual sounds, grammatical quirks, and intricate writing system. The Japanese language is one of the syllabic languages because it consists of 45 syllables. There is just one acceptable way to pronounce every particular syllable, and all other possible pronunciations are incorrect.

The fuzziness of the Japanese language can be disorienting. To get over this, you should immerse yourself in Japanese culture as much as possible, from its history to the present day, and watch Japanese television for news and variety shows.

To sum up, one needs to immerse oneself in Japanese culture, master the Japanese writing system, and study the Japanese language. One’s proficiency in Japanese and appreciation for it can both benefit from these methods.

Content Summary

• You may have always wanted to learn Japanese and visit Japan, or you want to understand your favourite anime better.
• No matter your motivation, this article will fill you in on all the details.
• When first getting started, the topic of how long it takes to learn Japanese comes up.
• Your first language also influences how well and quickly you pick up the language.
• The Japanese language is exceptionally difficult for native English speakers to learn.
• As a result, it will take about 88 weeks, or 2200 hours of study, to reach fluency.
• Being fluent in Japanese is something else entirely.
• Nevertheless, culture is important when learning a new language, especially if you aim for fluency.
• If you can speak Japanese fluently, you can have in-depth discussions with any native speaker.
• One of the best ways to determine if you are fluent in Japanese is to take a test.
• How quickly you can become proficient in Japanese depends largely on how much time you are willing to devote to studying.
• Consider committing to studying every day for one hour.
• For example, if you double your study time to 2 hours per day, you can decrease your study time in half.
• That’s a big deal for people who want to learn Japanese quickly.
• Setting a daily target of how long you will study Japanese can help you estimate how long it will take to reach your objective.
• In addition, regular practice in speaking Japanese is essential for long-term memory retention of the language.
• There are many resources and methods to choose from to learn Japanese.
• However, to quickly progress with your Japanese, focus on the core pillars of language learning.
• One of the most enjoyable parts of learning a new language is diving headfirst into the culture while also learning the fundamentals.
• Learning the alphabet is the first and most important step in becoming fluent in Japanese.
• For starters, the ability to read Hiragana is essential.
• Hiragana, which consists of 46 letters or 51 phonetic characters, is the primary writing system used for the native Japanese language.
• It’s essential to decoding the peculiarities of Japanese pronunciation.
• If you want to sound more like a native speaker of Japanese, learning Hiragana is the first step.
• However, for the time being, it is sufficient to know how to read Katakana.
• Kanji is often cited as the most difficult component of learning Japanese.
• Learning even a small number of Kanji will greatly improve your ability to read and write elementary Japanese.
• There are numerous layers to learning Kanji, as not all Japanese words have exact English translations.
• To become fluent, you must abandon all knowledge of English grammar because of the vast differences between the two languages.
• Using textbooks is a great place to start while learning Japanese grammar.
• Begin with app help When you first start studying Japanese, language-learning apps will be invaluable.
• Learn the fundamentals of the Japanese language with ease with an app like Duolingo, Memrise, or Rosetta Stone.
• However, most language-learning apps are fantastic if you need a rapid boost to your Japanese language skills.
• If you want to improve your language skills quickly, finding a language-learning partner or an online tutor is best.
• Language students can benefit from using flashcards.
• For example, a word in Japanese can be memorised using a flashcard.
• You should incorporate flashcards into your study routine if you haven’t already.
• One option for meeting a Japanese-speaking language partner is through one-on-one video conversations.
• In addition, you can interact with other native speakers and language students from all over the world through your computer or mobile device.
• Learn as much about Japanese culture as you can right now!
• You may learn Japanese from manga as well as novels and newspapers.
• The Japanese comic book (manga) has a deep and storied history in the country.
• Manga, the Japanese art form of comic books and graphic novels, is a great tool for students of foreign languages.
• Watch anime If you’re looking for a fun way to learn Japanese, consider watching anime!
• Watching anime in your spare time is a great way to improve your listening comprehension and learn new vocabulary, including slang.
• While commuting, working out, or performing housework, practising your listening skills can be facilitated by playing Japanese music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
• Immersion is a great approach to learning a new language, and Japanese is no exception.
• However, you can learn Japanese far more quickly if you put yourself in an authentic Japanese atmosphere, either at home or in Japan.
• Most students share the excitement of a first trip to Japan as they embark on learning Japanese.
• Even native Japanese speakers need a lifetime to master the complexities of the Japanese writing system.
• Kanji, a far more involved writing system, is used instead.
• Compared to other languages, the Japanese language has some significant grammatical peculiarities.
• The 45 basic syllables that make up the Japanese language make it one of the syllabic languages.
• Two initial sounds in Japanese may be difficult for first-year students learning the language in Singapore.
• The different forms of politeness in Japanese have their vocabulary and grammar, making the language even more complex.

FAQs

How long should it take to learn Japanese?

The Japanese language is notoriously challenging for native English speakers to learn. This is because its structure is very different from that of English. As a result, getting to fluency will take about 88 weeks or 2200 hours of study.

How difficult is it to learn Japanese?

Many native English speakers rank Japanese among the most challenging languages to master. There are three different writing systems, the sentences are structured in the opposite direction from English, and the social hierarchy is convoluted.

What is the shortest time to learn Japanese?

Many professionals, however, put the time needed to reach a beginner’s level at between four and six months of study. On the other hand, if you want to speak Japanese like a native, you should put in at least three years of study.

Is 1 hour a day enough to learn Japanese?

You can achieve a lot in just two hours a day. For reference, that works out to around an hour every other day. If the goal is to be able to carry on a conversation, then probably at most two years.

Can you survive without Kanji?

Learning kanji is optional for speaking or understanding Japanese, but it will make things much easier. As a bonus, learning some kanji is necessary to live and work in Japan.